It's expected of manufacturers offering cars in the highly competitive mid-size family sector to have budget friendly diesel variants. However, that's no longer enough - high levels of refinement and equipment, along with more space and plush interiors rank just as high in the minds of shoppers and company user choosers.

The end result now is often a car that, on paper and aesthetically, rivals that of a traditional compact executive from the likes of BMW, Mercedes or Audi. Ford's latest generation Mondeo is a prime example - it's bigger and more luxurious than before yet still boasts a wallet-friendly price tag.

Ford's Mondeo isn't the only example, as Mazda's latest generation 6 has also grown in size and stature. The original replacement for the 626 was similarly compact but was close build-wise to a 3 Series once you stepped inside.

Solid construction, plush materials and executive car levels of refinement when on the move all made people sit up and take notice. Then they rushed out to buy the car in their droves.

For Mazda, the only way of bettering this winning experience was to offer more of the same. This latest generation 6 is indeed that bit bigger, while the increase is most noticeable in the rear, making it an attractive buy if you have to divide your time between transporting business associates and the family.

In five-door hatchback form - there's also an estate and saloon - the 6 presents a sleek and polished exterior. The previous car wasn't laden with fussy details and, to Mazda's credit, neither is this car.

It's worth taking a close look at the car, though. Its wheel arches, and especially those at the front, bulge with a purpose that's more associated with something offering a sporting experience.

Picture Mazda's RX8 and you won't be too far away from reality. Elsewhere, the hatchback's smooth flanks present a sophisticated look that's perfectly in keeping with its elevated premium status.

The Mazda 6's interior is no less impressive. Clear, bold dials and controls along with smooth, sweeping cabin design help convince you that there's little between this car and something from BMW if you put the predictable badge snobbery to one side. Cabin space is not an issue in this enlarged car either, with plenty of room for occupants fore and aft and more than you'd find in some more expensive rivals.

Generous amounts of space are matched by high levels of standard kit. Granted, you'll find much of it on rival cars, but it's present here on something costing a lot less. Familiar Mazda trim levels help structure the range, with the flagship (for the hatchback) Sport boasting an appearance pack consisting of subtly different bumpers and a modest rear spoiler.

While 1.8, 2.0 and 2.5-litre petrol motors are offered, for many in the cost-conscious fleet market diesel power will be the default choice. And in the Mazda's case, opting for the oil-burner is anything but a compromise.

On paper it outperforms many of its rivals in the key areas of economy and emissions. When powering the 6 hatchback, the official combined economy figure of 50.4mpg is certainly impressive, while 147g/km CO2 rating is particularly eyecatching at a time when high emphasis is put on CO2 figures when calculating tax and congestion charging activities.

Mazda's 140 horsepower, 2.0-litre diesel is one of an increasing number of units that responds better to being driven like a petrol unit. Despite the standard fit six-speed manual gearbox, clearly set up to aid cruising and economy, holding on to a gear and working the engine when driving enthusiastically is actually quiet enjoyable.